Landslide Ties Up Coast Highway Traffic
A small landslide sent dirt and rocks cascading onto Coast Highway just north of Laguna Beach early Monday, backing up traffic for 1 1/2 miles and causing the California Highway Patrol to issue a SigAlert.
California Department of Transportation spokeswoman Pam Gorniak said the slippage was caused by a landslide that pushed about 100 cubic yards of dirt, rocks and a concrete barrier down the hillside near Crystal Cove State Park.
“Our normal procedure is to have geologists look at this area to monitor the earth movement,” Gorniak said.
The road is now safe for motorists, she said.
Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Greg Bartz said his department got word of the landslide when motorists with cellular telephones began calling about 8:30 a.m.
Although the landslide was south of El Morro Elementary School, school officials say it did not affect attendance.
Most classes had already begun by the time the slide was reported.
Laguna Beach has had a rash of mudslides and landslides in recent years, including some that have threatened or destroyed homes.
They often are caused by heavy rainfall or believed to be reactivated ancient landslides.
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